August 2015 Moms

Return to work question

I have an 8 week old son who has been ebf and I will be returning to work on nov 5. What I have been doing is pump after every feed to stash breastmilk for when I return to work. I now have a freezer full of breastmilk and I feel we are pretty set with our stash. I so far have 349oz and I will be pumping 3x at work. We don't use any milk from the stash as I just breastfeed him and I am always with him. My question is.. How can I reduce the pumping so that my supply isn't affected? I now for the last couple of days only pump if I feel full after a feed. My goal is to breastfeed exclusively for at least 6 months a year would be fantastic. Thanks!

Re: Return to work question

  • I would think if you stop pumping after each feed it will adjust to what your baby is really eating. I would only pump if I felt too full like you are doing now and try to see if it evens out.

    I go back 11/2 and despise pumping so I only have about 40 oz. I only started pumping on a daily basis the past week (this last month it's been whenever I feel like it) and I only do it once, after the morning feed. So yay for all that you have stored! and good for you for pumping after each feed, it's a struggle for me to just get the one session a day.
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  • Thank you! It is such a pain especially in the middle of the night! I guess I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and pump whenever I can.. Baby has been extra fussy lately. I'm just fearful of clogged ducts and mastitis as well as reduction of milk supply
  • Well your supply is going to be reduced if you stop pumping. But you technically have an oversupply since your LO doesn't require any of the milk you are currently pumping. I'd drop one session at at time giving yourself a few days and go by how you feel. Start with that night time one so you can get your rest mama! You are going to feel fuller going longer between pumping, but you shouldn't have issues with clogged ducts if you aren't wearing tight bras/tops while you do this. 
  • Thanks! I've been trying to eliminate motn pumping session which is at around 4am or so but by 6am I'm so uncomfortable.i have a history of clogged ducts and had mastitis also so that's where my fear comes from. I then started pumping every 3 hours during the day and every 4 at night.. That's how I got my supply up. Now I'm running out of freezer space!
  • That is quite the stash! Are you taking Lecithin? That is supposed to help prevent clogged ducts. Also if you hand express just enough for comfort rather than pumping or just pump a minute or two to relieve the pressure. It will take a few days before you'll adjust.
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